Head of Innovation and Emerging Technology

Purpose of the Job

The Head of Innovation & Emerging Technology will spearhead the digital innovation agenda within the Aramex. The role is accountable for identifying, piloting, and scaling emerging technologies that create measurable business value, enhance customer experience, and improve operational efficiency. The individual will be responsible for building an innovation culture across the organization, fostering experimentation through proofs of concept (POCs), and translating technology opportunities into sustainable business cases.

Job Description

People:

• Build and lead a high-performing innovation function that blends business understanding with digital and technology expertise.
• Foster an innovation-driven mindset across the organization, ensuring teams are empowered to ideate, experiment, and adopt emerging technologies.
• Influence and engage senior leadership, cross-functional stakeholders, and external partners to secure sponsorship and alignment for innovation initiatives.
• Mentor and develop talent in the areas of design thinking, rapid prototyping, and business case development.

Operations:

• Define and execute the Aramex innovation strategy in alignment with corporate Digital and Technology roadmaps.
• Scan the external landscape to identify relevant emerging technologies (e.g., AI/ML, robotics, IoT, blockchain, digital twins, AR/VR) and assess their applicability in supply chain operations.
• Run POCs and pilots in partnership with business units, ensuring structured evaluation of outcomes and scalability potential.
• Establish governance for innovation projects, including prioritization, resource allocation, and alignment with enterprise architecture and security standards.
• Develop partnerships with startups, universities, technology vendors, and industry bodies to create an innovation ecosystem.

Financial Result:

• Build and validate business cases for innovation initiatives, quantifying expected value creation (e.g., cost savings, revenue growth, efficiency improvements, risk reduction).
• Track and measure ROI of innovation pilots and scaled solutions, ensuring benefits are realized and communicated effectively.
• Manage the innovation budget and ensure optimal allocation of resources across initiatives.

Job Requirements - Experience and Education

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, Engineering, Business, or related field (Master’s degree preferred).
• 12+ years of experience in digital, technology, or innovation roles, with at least 5 years in a leadership capacity.
• Proven track record of driving digital innovation and emerging technology adoption in supply chain or related industries.
• Experience in building and nurturing innovation culture, including leading POCs, pilots, and scaling solutions.
• Strong background in developing business cases, measuring ROI, and presenting to C-level executives.
• Exposure to external innovation ecosystems (startups, incubators, accelerators, universities).

Leadership Behaviors

Building Outstanding Teams

Setting a clear direction

Simplification

Collaborate & break silos

Execution & Accountability

Growth mindset

Innovation

Inclusion

External focus

Skills

Resilience

Business Acumen

Communication Skills

Innovative Skills

Interpersonal Skills

Presentation Skills

Relationship Building

Stakeholder Management

Strategic Thinking

Analytical Thinking

Audience Understanding

Cross-Cultural Competence

Entrepreneurial Spirit

Strong Negotiation And Influencing Skills

Technical Proficiency

Leadership Skills